Power of Giving

According to NIH, the power of giving has proven to reduce stress and increase longevity. A dedicated yoga practice, moments of mindfulness, a sweet pause can gift you a more relaxing holiday season.  Tis’ the season to show gratitude for your yoga practice and take the practice off the mat even further and share with others. 

Energy –  Energy hygiene is important.  Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor says it well, “Please take responsibility for the energy you bring to this space. Your words matter. Your behaviors matter. Our patients and our teams matter. Take a slow, deep breath and make sure your energy is in check before entering. Thank you.”  Posted at Indiana University Health Department.  Energy responsibility is all of ours, no matter the environment. 

Presence – Eckhart Tolle states of presence; “It’s a space of consciousness where you can be the observer of your own mind—the awareness behind the thought processes.” Step outside the noise internally and externally and immerse yourself in silence.  

Patience – Pause for a moment and breathe.  Take five to ten slow breaths. Patience comes with easeful breaths. Slow breathing switches on the parasympathetic nervous system, increases relaxation, and expands empathy and grace. This is a time of massive change for us all nationally and globally. Be patient. 

Compliments – Write yourself a compliment and tuck it away to find later. Write a compliment with a dry erase marker on your bathroom mirror. Shower yourself with what you long to hear. Practice ahimsa, nonviolence, with yourself and notice how compliments are easier to receive and give. 

Practice your yoga off the mat, and ripple gratefulness with profound measure! When we offer connection with intention and authenticity there is a reciprocal gift for all involved. What you gift yourself and others are shared beyond that one moment. Let’s spread the intentional gift of gratitude!